For too long the ingredient in the store cupboard brought out for last minute dinner emergencies, pasta - inexpensive, ever versatile and often underestimated - lends itself to hundreds of fresh and different creations, especially when handled by the truly talented Theo Randall.

Theo Randall, who served his apprenticeship with Max Magarian in London and Alice Waters in San Francisco, was head chef at the Michelin-starred River Cafe for ten years. He now runs his own restaurant, Theo Randall at the InterContinental Park Lane, in London, and has earned unparalleled rave reviews from critics and food-lovers. A natural teacher, his monthly classes at the restaurant are ever popular and he regularly appears on television shows like Saturday Kitchen. Theo lives in London with his wife and two small children.